German camera gurus Leica has upped the Medium Format ante with the new Leica S3 powerhouse.
Summer is around the corner so we wouldn’t blame you if you were in the market for a new camera with which to capture all the seasonal revelry. Fortunately, the new Leica S3 is not only beautiful to look at but packs a powerful photographic punch.
In a step up from the previous S model, the new medium format Leica S3 features an increase in resolution from 37.5 to 64 megapixels and utilizes the Leica ProFormat developed especially for the Leica S-System.
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With dimensions of 30 x 45 millimeters, the camera’s sensor corresponds to the classic 3:2 aspect ratio of the 35 mm full-frame format but offers a 56 percent larger sensor area, which means a 71 percent increase in resolution, a dynamic range of 15 f-stops and a maximum ISO sensitivity setting of 50,000 – basically everything you need to take jaw-dropping images.
You’ll find composing images a breeze thanks to the large and bright SLR viewfinder while capturing sharp, consistent images won’t be a problem with a lightning-fast autofocus system and a continuous shooting rate of three frames per second.
Whenever required, the LCD screen displays a Live-View image with a refresh rate of up to 60 fps that’s available in both still picture and video recording mode. In fact, the entire area of the sensor can be used not only for videos in full-HD, but, for the first time, also for 4K cinema resolution – including the characteristic medium format look. When capturing video footage, 48 kHz,16-bit stereo sound with automatic or manual level adjustment can also be recorded with either the integrated or an external microphone.
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Medium format cameras are known for the stunning amount of data they capture with each image so you’ll be thankful for the Leica Maestro II processor and the massive 2GB buffer memory. In addition to a GPS function, which determines the precise geographical location and the exact time with the aid of satellites and saves them to the EXIF data, the Leica S3 also has a WLAN module with which the camera can be remotely controlled in conjunction with the Leica FOTOS 2.0 app.
More than just good looks, the Leica S3 is durable thanks to the use of magnesium in its body construction, the steel lens bayonet, and the Corning Gorilla Glass cover plate of the three-inch monitor screen.
The familiar and proven intuitive handling concept of Leica S (Typ 007) has also been carried forward to the Leica S3: the central control elements are two setting dials and a five-way joystick, which controls the shutter speed and aperture and enable quick and easy menu navigation.
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The rear screen is surrounded by four buttons which can be configured in accordance with your preferences and needs, while the main switch can be used to choose between the camera’s focal plane shutter or a central shutter – provided this is a feature offered by the lens mounted on the camera.
Time to get shooting.
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